06 Jul What is Paraffin Wax Therapy? 

If you find yourself being treated by a Hand Therapist at Melbourne Hand Rehab, you may find that they ask you to place your hand in Paraffin Wax. This may be daunting as you feel the warmth of the pot or if your feel icky with certain textures. However, if you suffer from stiffness, pain or reduced movement once you do Paraffin Wax Therapy you’ll be wanting more. 

What is Paraffin Wax?

Local application of heat has been clinically shown to assist with pain, swelling, stiffness and deformity, such as osteoarthritis. Paraffin wax is heated in a bath that is warmed at a low temperature so not to burn the skin. The wax melts in the bath and turns into a liquid that you can place your hand in, under the guidance of your Hand Therapist. Once you have dipped your hand in multiple times your therapist will prepare your hand for you therapy session.  

What are the benefits of Paraffin Wax Therapy?

A paraffin wax bath can be used to increase blood flow to an injured and or painful joint and it’s surrounding tissue. Paraffin Wax will also make you your hand nice and smooth as it provides intensive moisture that will nourish your skin. The Paraffin Wax bath will typically be used in preparation of treating the area for therapy. 

What sort of conditions can Paraffin Wax Therapy be used for?

Paraffin bath therapy has been proven to be effective with treating the following conditions, 

• Osteoarthritis 
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Stiff hand joints
• Fibromyalgia 
• Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
• Raynaud’s Disease
• Scar Tissue

Paraffin Wax Therapy is not suitable for clients who have open wounds or inflammatory skin conditions. The amount of times that you complete Paraffin Wax Therapy will depend on the program that you and your Hand Therapist will decide on. 

If you are experiencing hand or wrist pain, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to help you.

For more information, call us directly on 03 9458 5166

By Jess Cauchi